Slow Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

Slow Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

Mississippi Meatballs are a rich, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings. These tender, juicy meatballs simmer in a slow cooker with a bold mix of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, and pepperoncini peppers, delivering a savory and tangy taste. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe is a must-try for any home cook.

Slow Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Preparation: Just dump the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it do the work.
  • Rich & Bold Flavors: The combination of ranch, au jus, and pepperoncini creates an irresistible taste.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or as a sandwich filling.
  • Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs store well and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs

To make this delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Sauce:

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 packet au jus gravy mix
  • ½ cup butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
  • 1 cup pepperoncini peppers with juice
  • ½ cup beef broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Slow Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
  2. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
  3. For a firmer texture, sear meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

  1. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix over the meatballs.
  3. Add butter pieces, pepperoncini peppers, and beef broth.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

  • Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
  • Stir occasionally to ensure even coating.
  • The sauce will thicken as the meatballs absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

  • Over Mashed Potatoes: The rich gravy complements creamy mashed potatoes.
  • With Rice or Pasta: Serve over fluffy rice or buttered egg noodles.
  • As a Sandwich: Load into a hoagie roll with melted provolone cheese.
  • As an Appetizer: Skewer with toothpicks for party-style serving.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigeration:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:

  • Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a slow cooker on LOW.

Tips for the Best Mississippi Meatball

Slow Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe
  • Use Fresh Ground Beef: Higher fat content ensures moist meatballs.
  • Sear for More Flavor: Browning meatballs before slow cooking enhances texture.
  • Adjust Heat Level: For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
  • Thicken the Sauce: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) in the last 30 minutes.
  • Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream for a rich, velvety sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs and reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours on LOW.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cook on the stovetop in a large skillet over low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What can I use instead of pepperoncini?

Try banana peppers or jalapeños for a similar tangy flavor.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a homemade au jus mix (cornstarch + beef bouillon + seasonings).

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